Scoring three goals in 22 games in his first Bundesliga season, Votava was an undisputed starter onwards, only missing three matches from 1977 to 1982, although he failed to win any silverware.

He subsequently moved to Atlético Madrid for 58 million pesetas,[4] being an instrumental figure for the Colchoneros which always finished in the top four in La Liga during his three-year spell and also lifting the Copa del Rey in 1985.

Votava returned to West Germany aged 29, signing with SV Werder Bremen where he would play a further 11 campaigns and rarely missing a game.

[7] As he was understandably slowing down, Votava left Bremen during the 1997 January transfer window, joining second-tier VfB Oldenburg and retiring at the season's end, with his team ranking last.

[8] Votava chose to represent West Germany internationally, and made his debut on 21 November 1979, playing 15 minutes in a 3–1 friendly away win over the Soviet Union.